Army foils another Boko Haram's attempt to take hometown of Chief of Army Staff

In a show of gallantry, The Nigerian Army said soldiers fighting in the North Eastern part of Nigeria has successfully foiled an attempt by suspected members of the Boko Haram insurgents to take the Buratai Town, the home town of the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Tukur Buratai.

A statement from Army Spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman said, “about 9.30pm last night suspected Boko Haram terrorists made a futile attempt to attack Buratai town Borno State and military camp located in the area. I am glad to inform you that the gallant soldiers rose to the occasion and dealt with the terrorists.

“They however made concerted effort at about 3.00am this morning which was equally repelled by the gallant soldiers. The situation and town is cool and calm.”

The attack is the fourth attempt by the feisty Islamic insurgents to take over the town.

In February 2014 when Buratai was first attacked by the group, Mr. Buratai, a major general, served as commander of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta.

His elevation a fortnight ago by President Muhammadu Buhari, as head of the army, has ostensibly drawn greater attention to the community, more so after Mr. Buratai vowed days after to crush Boko Haram and force its members to beg for mercy.

“As Chief of Army Staff, I will be actively involved in this 'Operation Zaman Lafiya Dole' to end the madness of Boko Haram if I will have your collective maximum support and cooperation,” he said in a speech in neigbouring Yobe State.

“Since Boko Haram terrorists have refused peace (Zaman Lafiya), we will now force them to accept peace.”

Two days after the remarks, the jihadist group staged a deadly onslaught on the community, killing two people and destroying homes including Mr. Buratai's family home, in an attempt to seize the town.

Mr. Buratai was not present at the time of the attack in the early hours, security sources said at the time.

The latest attack was somewhat different, Mr. Usman said.

The militants arrived the community on Monday at about 9.30p.m.

After they were repelled by soldiers stationed there, they reinforced and returned by morning of Tuesday, he said.

“I am glad to inform you that the gallant soldiers rose to the occasion,” Mr. Usman said. “They however made concerted effort at about 3.00am this morning which was equally repelled by the gallant soldiers. The situation and town is cool and calm.”

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